Firearm targets with reinforcing features for enhanced durability and associated methods of use and manufacture

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to target assemblies and targets with reinforcing features for improved durability. One example of such a target can include a target portion that is configured to be struck by a projectile, and a connector portion configured to movably couple the target portion to a support structure. The target also includes a neck portion extending between the target portion and the connector portion, and a reinforcing portion proximate to the neck portion. The reinforcing portion comprises an integral portion of the target that is at least partially deformed to reinforce or otherwise strengthen the neck portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/229,440, entitled “FIREARM TARGETS WITH REINFORCING FEATURES FOR ENHANCED DURABILITY AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE,” filed Jul. 29, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to target assemblies and associated targets, and more specifically, to targets having reinforcing and durability enhancing features.

BACKGROUND

Shooters often engage in target shooting to improve their shooting skills, for enjoyment, as competition, etc. For example, shooters often attempt to hit stationary or moving targets from a specified distance to improve their accuracy or test their shooting skills. One type of target shooting involves shooting hanging or swinging targets. Such conventional swinging targets are typically stamped or cut out of a steel sheet. The thickness of the sheet, along with the tensile strength and hardness of the steel, are generally selected for a specific range of projectile energies. For example, it is common to see different thicknesses for an air gun, a rimfire rifle, handguns, high-powered rifles, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a target assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a side view of a target configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a rear view and FIG. 3B is a side view of a target configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional top view taken substantially along lines 3C-3C of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a target configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional top view taken substantially along lines 4B-4B of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a front isometric view, FIG. 5B is a rear isometric view, and FIG. 5C is a side view of a target configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5D is a front view of a target configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional top view taken substantially along lines 5E-5E of FIG. 5D.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a target configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a rear view of a target configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional top view taken substantially along lines 7B-7B of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a rear view of a target configured in accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional top view taken substantially along lines 8B-8B of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a front isometric view and FIG. 9B is a side view of a target configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9C is a front isometric view of a target configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a front isometric view, FIG. 10B is a side view, and

FIG. 10C is a bottom view of a target configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a target configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes several embodiments of target assemblies and targets, as well as associated methods of use and manufacture. Certain embodiments of the disclosure, for example, are directed to targets having reinforcing portions that are designed to strengthen at least a stem or neck portion of a target. More specifically, the targets are configured with reinforcing portions that are attached to, integral with, or otherwise associated with each target to resist bending and/or twisting of the target at the neck portion. In still further embodiments, the targets can also include reinforcing geometries that also enhance the durability and longevity of the targets.

Certain details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-11 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure. Other details describing well-known structures and systems often associated with targets and target assemblies, and methods for forming such components and assemblies are not set forth in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the disclosure.

Many of the details, dimensions, angles and/or other portions shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles and/or portions without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In addition, further embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without several of the details described below, while still other embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with additional details and/or portions.

In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify identical or at least generally similar elements. To facilitate the discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit or digits of any reference number refers to the Figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, element 110 is first introduced and discussed with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a target assembly 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the target assembly 100 includes a support structure or frame 102 carrying a plurality of hanging or swinging targets 110 (identified individually as a first through third targets 110 a-110 c). Each target 110 includes a target portion 112 that is configured to be hit by a projectile (e.g., a bullet). In the illustrated embodiment, each target portion 112 has a generally circular shape. In other embodiments, however, the target portion 112 can include other desired shapes or forms, including, for example, animal or human shapes, bull-eye targets, concentric rings, regulation sized targets for competitive shooting, or any other suitable shape for target shooting or sport. Moreover, although the targets 110 can be made from metallic materials, including alloyed metals such as steel, in certain embodiments the targets 110 can be made from non-metallic materials or any combination of metallic and non-metallic materials.

Each target 110 also includes a stem or neck portion 114 extending from the target portion 112 to a connecting portion 116. The neck portion 114 spaces the targets 110 away from an upper portion of the frame 102. The connecting portion 116 movably or pivotally couples each target 110 to the frame 102 to allow the targets 110 to independently pivot, rotate, or otherwise move about the frame 102 when a projectile strikes each target 110. In the illustrated embodiment, each neck portion 114 is twisted approximately 90 degrees with reference to the neck portion 114 to allow each target 110 to swing in a direction normal to the face of the target portion 112. A user can accordingly see when they successfully hit a target 110 by the swinging or rotational movement of the target 110. Each connecting portion 116 also includes an opening to receive a portion of the frame 102 to couple the target 110 to the frame 102. As described below, however, in other embodiments the connecting portion 116 can include other configurations suitable for coupling the targets 110 to the frame 102.

Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 includes three targets 110, in other embodiments the target assembly 100 can include a greater or lesser number of targets 110. The targets 110 can also include different sizes or shapes. Moreover, the target assembly 100 and associated targets 110 can be configured to be used with any projectile source, including, for example, firearms such as rifles, handguns, air guns, paintball guns, or any other projectile source, such as bows and arrows, slingshots, etc.

One problem associated with conventional hanging targets that are similar to the targets 110 in the illustrated target assembly 100 is that conventional targets are not adequately durable for user satisfaction. For example, conventional targets often quickly become deformed and unsuitable for target shooting after limited use. More specifically, conventional targets are typically susceptible to deformation or failure at the neck portion, due to the twisting or bending of the target portion with reference to the neck portion. Because the target portion has a greater mass than the neck portion, when a projectile strikes the target portion, the target frequently bends at the neck portion. Increasing the overall thickness of the target material to avoid this deformation, however, will increase material costs as well as shipping costs. Moreover, targets made from higher quality or higher strength materials can also be cost-prohibitive.

As explained in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2A-11, however, several embodiments of the disclosure are directed to target configurations and designs that improve the durability and longevity of the targets 110. More specifically, the embodiments described below are designed to include reinforcing features, reinforcing portions, and/or reinforcing geometries that enhance the durability of the targets 110 and specifically resist failure at the neck portion 114 of the targets 110. For example, the reinforcing portions and geometries of the embodiments disclosed herein can at least partially resist the bending and twisting of the targets 110 at the neck portion 114 after repeated use. The reinforcing features and geometries disclosed herein can also at least partially prevent the cratering or discrete areas of deformation that occur on a target due to repeated impacts from projectiles.

FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a side view of a target 210 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B together, the illustrated target 210 (as well as the targets described below with reference to FIGS. 3A-11) is generally similar in structure and function to the targets 110 described above with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the target 210 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B includes a neck portion 214 extending between a target portion 212 and a connecting portion 216. The connecting portion 216 is configured to movably couple the target 210 to a frame (not shown) or other support structure. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the connecting portion 216 is not twisted with reference to the neck portion 214. Rather, the connecting portion 216 is an integral extension of the neck portion 214 and forms a looped opening 217. The opening 217 is configured to wrap around a frame to pivotally couple the target 210 to the frame.

According to another feature of the illustrated embodiment, the target 210 also includes a reinforcing portion 218 (FIG. 2B). The reinforcing portion 218 extends along the back side of the target 210 from the connecting portion 216 to the target portion 212 (e.g., adjacent to a back side of the neck portion 214). For example, the target 210 can be made from a single elongate piece of material that is bent or otherwise formed so that the reinforcing portion 218 is positioned proximate to the back side of the neck portion 214. The illustrated reinforcing portion 218 is an integral extension of the connecting portion 216 and is configured to strengthen the neck portion 214 of the target 210. For example, the reinforcing portion 218 effectively doubles the thickness of the neck portion 214 of the target 210, which is the region of the target 210 that is most susceptible to deformation.

Although the illustrated embodiment shows a relatively small gap 219 between the reinforcing portion 218 and the neck portion 214, in certain embodiments the gap 219 can be at least partially eliminated. For example, the reinforcing portion 218 can be welded or otherwise attached to the neck portion 214 or the target portion 212. In certain embodiments, the reinforcing portion 218 can be spot or tack welded at specific locations, or the reinforcing portion 218 can be welded to the neck portion 214 and target portion 212 along the entire length of the reinforcing portion 218.

FIG. 3A is a rear view of a target 310 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3B is a side view of the target 310, and FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional top view of the target 310 taken substantially along lines 3C-3C of FIG. 3A. Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C together, the illustrated target 310 includes a neck portion 314 extending from a target portion 312 to a connecting portion 316, in a manner generally similar to the embodiments described above. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target 310 also includes folded reinforcing portions 320 (identified individually as a first reinforcing portion 320 a and a second reinforcing portion 320 b). Each reinforcing portion 320 is formed from an integral segment of the neck portion 314 that is folded or bent toward the center region of the neck portion 314. For example, the broken lines shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C represent the reinforcing portions 320 before each reinforcing portion 320 is folded inwardly toward the neck portion 314. Rather than removing (e.g., stamping or cutting) the reinforcing portions 320 when manufacturing the target 310 (as would normally be done with a conventional target), the reinforcing portions 320 are folded back against the neck portion 314 to increase the overall thickness and strength of the neck portion 314.

In addition, folding or deforming the reinforcing portions 320 toward the neck portion 314 also at least partially work hardens the target material at the interface between the reinforcing portions 320 and the neck portion 314. Such work hardening can strengthen the target material at the neck portion 314 to resist deformation of the target 310 at the neck portion 314. Moreover, although the reinforcing portions 320 are integrally formed with the target 310 in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments the reinforcing portions 320 can be attached (e.g., welded) to the back side of the neck portion 314 or the target portion 312.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a target 410 configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional top view of the target 410 taken substantially along lines 4B-4B of FIG. 4A. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B together, the illustrated target 410 includes a neck portion 414 extending from a target portion 412 to a looped connecting portion 416. The illustrated embodiment, however, includes a combination of several of the features described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-3C. For example, the target 410 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B includes a first reinforcing portion 418 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 4A) extending from the connecting portion 416 behind the neck portion 414 and the target portion 412. The target 410 also includes a second reinforcing portion 420 a and a third reinforcing portion 420 b, each of which extends from the neck portion 414 and is folded or bent back toward the center region of the neck portion 414 around the first reinforcing portion 418. The illustrated embodiment accordingly triples the thickness of the neck portion 414 to resist deformation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first reinforcing portion 418 and the second and third reinforcing portions 420 a, 420 b can each be formed from integral portions of the target 410. For example, these reinforcing portions can be formed from segments of the target 410 that are bent or folded into the illustrated configuration. In other embodiments, however, one or more of these reinforcing portions can be formed from material that is attached (e.g., welded) to the target 410. In certain embodiments, for example, the first reinforcing portion 418 can be welded to the back side of the neck portion 414, and the second and third reinforcing portions 420 a, 420 b can be folded around the first reinforcing portion 418 from the neck portion 414.

FIG. 5A is a front isometric view of a target assembly 510 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5B is a rear isometric view, and FIG. 5C is a side view of the target 510. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C together, the illustrated target 510 includes a neck portion 514 extending from a target portion 512 to a connecting portion 516 in a manner generally similar to the targets described above. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target 510 also includes a deformed reinforcing portion 522 formed in a region of the neck portion 514 and/or the target portion 512. More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the reinforcing portion 522 protrudes from the front of the target (FIGS. 5A and 5C), and forms a corresponding recess in the rear side of the target (FIG. 5B). In certain embodiments, the reinforcing portion 522 can be formed by stamping, punching, pressing, etc. a rib in a portion of the target 510, such as, for example, in the neck portion 514. Although the reinforcing portion 522 in the illustrated embodiment protrudes from the front side of the target 510, in other embodiments the reinforcing portion 522 can protrude from the rear side of the target 510 and create a corresponding recess or cavity in the front side. Forming the reinforcing portion 522 also at least partially work hardens the neck portion 514 and thereby increases the durability and strength in that area of the target 510.

Although the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C includes a reinforcing portion 522 that is stamped or otherwise formed in a relatively small region of the neck portion 514 and target portion 512, in other embodiments the reinforcing portion 522 can encompass a larger region or segment of the neck portion 514 or target portion 512. For example, FIGS. 5D and 5E illustrate the target 510 with a completely deformed and reinforced neck portion 514. More specifically, FIG. 5D is a front view of the target 510, and FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional top view of the target 510 taken substantially along lines 5E-5E of FIG. 5D. Referring to FIGS. 5D and 5E together, the entire neck portion 514 includes a generally V-shaped configuration having a first reinforced portion 524 a extending from a second reinforced portion 524 b. The V-shape can be formed by pressing, stamping, punching, etc. the neck portion 514, which also work hardens the neck portion 514. The first reinforced portion 524 a is offset from the second reinforced portion 524 b by an angle “A.” In certain embodiments, the angle A can be approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, however, the angle A can be greater than or less than approximately 90 degrees. Moreover, although the first and second reinforcing portions 524 a, 524 b are illustrated as extending along the length of the neck portion 514, in other embodiments the first and second reinforcing portions 524 a, 524 b can extend along only a partial segment of the neck portion 514 between the target portion 512 and a connecting portion (not shown). In addition, although the illustrated reinforced neck portion 514 has a generally V-shaped configuration, in other embodiments the neck portion can include a U-shape, curved shape, irregular shape, non-planar shape, etc.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a target 610 configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure. The illustrated target 610 includes a neck portion 614 extending from a target portion 612 to a connecting portion 616. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target 610 also includes a reinforcing portion 626 that is attached to the target 610. More specifically, the reinforcing portion 626 can be extra material that is attached (e.g., welded) to the target 610 to strengthen and reinforce the neck portion 614. Accordingly, the reinforcing portion 626 protrudes from the side of the target 610 that it is attached to. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the reinforcing portion 626 includes a welded bead that extends along a segment of the neck portion 614 and the target portion 612. In other embodiments, the target 610 can include multiple reinforcing portions in addition to the reinforcing portion 626 extending along the center region of the neck portion 614. For example, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 6, the target 610 can also include a peripheral reinforcing portion 627 extending around a peripheral edge portion of the target portion 612. Similar to the reinforcing portion 626, the peripheral reinforcing portion 627 can be formed by welding material to the peripheral region of the target portion 612.

Another feature of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, as well as other embodiments disclosed herein, welding portions of the target 610 can enhance the durability of the target by at least partially heat treating the portions of the target 610. For example, welding portions of the target 610 can toughen or strengthen the target material by tempering, case hardening, annealing, etc. the heated portions of the target material.

FIG. 7A is a rear view of a target 710 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional top view of the target 710 taken substantially along lines 7B-7B of FIG. 7A. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B together, the illustrated target 710 includes a neck portion 714 extending from a target portion 712. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target 710 also includes a deformed reinforcing portion 728 extending around a peripheral portion of the target 710. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing portion 728 is an integral portion of the target 710 that is formed when the target 710 is stamped or punched from a parent material. For example, the reinforcing portion 728 can be a lip or ridge of the target 710 that is bent or otherwise deformed in the illustrated shape. In other embodiments, however, and as described above, the reinforcing portion 728 can be formed by attaching (e.g., welding) a separate material to at least a portion of the outer periphery of the target 710. Moreover, although the illustrated embodiment shows the reinforcing portion 728 extending around the entire neck portion 714 and the entire target portion 712, in other embodiments, the reinforcing portion 728 can extend along only a segment of the neck portion 714 or a segment of the target portion 712. For example, the reinforcing portion 728 can be configured to extend along only the neck portion 714, at the interface between the neck portion 714 and the target portion 712, or around only the target portion 712.

FIG. 8A is a rear view of a target 810 configured in accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional top view of the target 810 taken substantially along lines 8B-8B of FIG. 8A. Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B together, the illustrated target 810 includes a neck portion 814 extending from a target portion 812. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target 810 also includes a reinforcing member 830 extending adjacent to the target 830. More specifically, the reinforcing member is an elongate stiffening member that is coupled to the neck portion 814 and the target portion 812. The reinforcing member 830 can be a metal rod, such a hardened steel rod, bar stock, etc. Although the illustrated reinforcing member 830 has a generally circular cross-sectional area, in other embodiments the reinforcing member 830 can have other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., rectilinear, irregular, etc.).

The illustrated target 810 also includes a plurality of retaining members 832 (identified individually as a first through fifth retaining members 832 a-832 e) that hold the reinforcing member 830 in position. The retaining members 832 can be integral portions of the target 810 or separate components that are attached to the target 810. According to one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, for example, the retaining members 832 can be integral portions of the target 810 that are bent or otherwise deformed to retain the reinforcing member 830 against the target 810. In this manner, the retaining members 832 can secure the reinforcing member 830 to the target 810 without welding the reinforcing member to the target 810. In other embodiments, however, the reinforcing member 830 can be welded (e.g., spot welded, welded along the entire length of the reinforcing member 830, etc.) to the target 810 to secure the reinforcing member 830 in place. In still further embodiments, the reinforcing member 830 can be held in place with the retaining members 832 in addition to welds in specific locations along the reinforcing member 830.

FIG. 9A is a front isometric view and FIG. 9B is a side view of a target 910 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B together, the illustrated target 910 includes a neck portion 914 extending from a target portion 912 to a connecting portion 916. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target portion 912 is oriented at a non-planar angle with reference to the neck portion 914. More specifically, the target portion 912 is oriented at an angle “B” (FIG. 9B) with reference to the rear side of the neck portion 914. In certain embodiments, the angle B can be approximately 135 degrees. In other embodiments, however, the angle B can be greater than or less than approximately 135 degrees. The bent or angled configuration of the target 910 can at least partially dissipate the impact energy from a projectile. For example, a projectile traveling toward the target 910 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 934 in FIG. 9B) strikes the target portion 912 at an angle that is not perpendicular to the target portion 912. In this manner, the target portion 912 can at least partially deflect the projectile and the energy associated with the projectile that the target 910 absorbs to thereby reduce the amount of deformation of the target 910. In a specific embodiment, for example, the angle B can be set to be the angle at which the energy absorbed by the target 910 from a projectile will not exceed the material yield strength of the target 910 so that the target 910 does not deform.

FIG. 9C is a front isometric view of a target 911 configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure. The target 911 is generally similar in structure and function to the target 910 described above with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9C, however, the target 911 includes a reinforcing portion 922 in a region of each of the neck portion 914 and the target portion 912. The reinforcing portion 922 can be generally similar to the embodiments described above. For example, the reinforcing portion 922 can be a stamped portion of the target 911, a welded bead, a reinforcing rod attached to the target 911, folded or bent portions, etc., that are combined with the angled geometry of the target 911. Moreover, although the reinforcing portion 922 is positioned at generally planar regions of the neck portion 914 and the target portion 912, in other embodiments the reinforcing portion 922 can extend through the bent or angled portion of the neck portion 914.

FIG. 10A is a front isometric view, FIG. 10B is a side view, and FIG. 10C is a bottom view of a target 1010 configured in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C together, the illustrated target 1010 includes a neck portion 1014 extending from a target portion 1012 to a connecting portion 1016. Similar to the target 910 described above with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C, the target portion 1010 illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C includes a target portion 1012 that is oriented at an angle with reference to a neck portion 1014. The target 1010 also includes a connecting portion 1016 to couple the target 1010 to a frame. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target portion 1012 includes multiple surfaces that are not in the same plane. More specifically, the target portion 1012 includes first angled target region 1036 a that is oriented at an angle “C” (FIG. 10C) with reference to a second angled target region 1036 b. In one embodiment, the angle C between the first and second angled target regions 1036 a, 1036 b can be approximately 205 degrees (measured from the front surfaces of the target 1010). In other embodiments, however, the angle C can be greater than or less than approximately 205 degrees. During use, a projectile traveling toward the target 1010 (indicated by arrow 1034 in FIG. 10B) strikes the target portion 1012 at an angle that is not perpendicular to the target portion 1012. More specifically, the target portion 1012 angled with reference to the neck portion 1014 can deflect a projectile in a downward direction, and the angled target regions 1036 can deflect the projectile in lateral directions with reference to the target 1010, to at least partially disperse the projectile energy striking the target 1010 and prevent deformation of the target 1010.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a target 1110 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. Similar to the targets described above, the target 1110 includes a neck portion 1114 extending from a target portion 1112 to a connecting portion 1116. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, however, the target 1110 also includes an energy absorbing portion 1138 positioned between a reinforcing portion 1118 and the neck and target portions 1114, 1112. More specifically, the reinforcing portion 1118 extends along the back side of the target 1110 from the connecting portion 1116 to the target portion 1112 (e.g., in a manner generally similar to the target 210 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B). The reinforcing portion 1118 is spaced apart from the neck portion 1114 and the target portion 1112 to accommodate the energy absorbing portion 1138. In certain embodiments, the energy absorbing portion 1138, as well as the reinforcing portion 1118, can have the same general shape of the neck portion 1114 and target portion 1112 when the target 1110 is viewed from the front. In other embodiments, however, the energy absorbing portion 1138, as well as the reinforcing portion 1118, can form a strip or segment extending along the back side of the target 1110. Moreover, in certain embodiments the energy absorbing portion 1138 does not have to extend along the full length of the target 1110 from the connecting portion 1116 to the lower region of the target portion 1112. For example, the energy absorbing portion 1138 can be positioned only at the target portion 1112 or at the neck portion 1114, or at specific regions in either of the target or neck portions 1112, 1114. In addition, in certain embodiments the reinforcing portion 1118 can be omitted and the energy absorbing portion 1138 can be attached to the target 1110. Moreover, the energy absorbing portion 1138 can also be directly attached (e.g., glued, adhered, fastened, etc.) to the target portion 1112, the neck portion 1114, the connecting portion 1116, and/or the reinforcing portion 1118.

The energy absorbing portion 1138 is configured to at least partially absorb and dissipate energy from a projectile that strikes the target 1110. In this manner, the energy absorbing portion 1138 can at least partially prevent the target 1110 from deforming during use. In certain embodiments, the energy absorbing portion 1138 can be made from an elastomeric material or any other material having generally elastic properties. For example, the energy absorbing portion can be made from elastomeric materials such as rubber, plastic, thermosets, thermoplastics, polymers, or any other suitable energy absorbing material. In other embodiments, however, the energy absorbing portion 1138 can be made from any other material suitable for at least partially absorbing projectile energy, such as plastic, wood, metal, etc.

The embodiments of the targets and target assemblies described herein provide several advantages over conventional swinging or hanging targets. For example, the targets described herein include reinforcing features and reinforcing geometries that enhance the durability and longevity of the targets. Moreover, several of these embodiments include reinforcing features that do not significantly increase the manufacturing time or cost of the targets, nor the target weight. These embodiments can accordingly provide long-lasting, durable, and affordable targets.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, the targets described herein can be configured for different velocity firearms, including, for example, air guns, rimfire rifles, handguns, high velocity firearms, etc. Moreover, the features or elements described with reference to a specific embodiment can be combined or substituted with other embodiments of the targets described herein. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited except as by the appended claims. 

1. A target configured to move relative to a support structure when the target is struck by a projectile, the target comprising: a target portion configured to be struck by a projectile; a connector portion configured to movably couple the target portion to a support structure; a neck portion extending between the target portion and the connector portion; and a reinforcing portion proximate to the neck portion, wherein the reinforcing portion comprises an integral portion of the target that is at least partially deformed.
 2. The target of claim 1 wherein the neck portion includes a front side opposite a back side, and wherein the reinforcing portion further comprises an integral extension of the connector portion that is at least partially deformed to be positioned proximate to the back side of the neck portion.
 3. The target of claim 1 wherein the neck portion has a first thickness and wherein the neck portion and the reinforcing portion have a combined second thickness that is approximately double the first thickness.
 4. The target of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a first reinforcing portion extending laterally from the neck portion in a first direction and a second reinforcing portion extending laterally from the neck portion in a second direction opposite the first direction, and wherein each of the first and second reinforcing portions is deformed inwardly towards a central portion of the neck portion.
 5. The target of claim 4 wherein the reinforcing portion further comprises a third reinforcing portion comprising an extension of the connector portion that is positioned proximate to the neck portion, and wherein the first and second reinforcing portions at least partially surround the third reinforcing portion.
 6. The target of claim 5 wherein the neck portion has a first thickness and wherein the neck portion and the first, second, and third reinforcing portions have a combined second thickness that is approximately triple the first thickness.
 7. The target of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a protrusion extending away from the neck portion, wherein the protrusion is an at least partially deformed and integral portion of the neck portion.
 8. The target of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing portion is integral with the neck portion and includes a first reinforcing portion extending at an inclined angle away from a second reinforcing portion.
 9. The target of claim 1 wherein the target portion extends at an inclined angle away from the neck portion.
 10. The target of claim 1 wherein the target portion includes a first target region and a second target region, and wherein the first target region extends at an inclined angle away from the second target region.
 11. The target of claim 1, further comprising an energy absorbing portion positioned between the neck portion and the reinforcing portion, wherein the energy absorbing portion is made from an elastomeric material.
 12. The target of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing portion is a work hardened portion of the target that is configured to at least partially strengthen the neck portion of the target.
 13. A target configured to be coupled to a frame, the target comprising: a target portion; a neck portion extending from the target portion; a connecting portion extending from the neck portion, wherein the connecting portion is configured to be pivotally coupled to a frame; and a reinforcing portion configured to strengthen the neck portion and at least partially resist deformation of the neck portion.
 14. The target of claim 13 wherein the reinforcing portion comprises an integral portion of the target that is deformed and positioned adjacent to the neck portion.
 15. The target of claim 13 wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a deformed peripheral edge portion extending partially around at least one of the target portion and the neck portion.
 16. The target of claim 13 wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a welded bead extending along a section of the neck portion.
 17. The target of claim 13 wherein the reinforcing portion comprises a rod separate from the neck portion and positioned adjacent to the neck portion.
 18. A target assembly comprising: a support structure; and a target movably coupled to the support structure, the target comprising— a target portion configured to be struck by a projectile; a neck portion extending from the target portion; a connecting portion extending from the neck portion, wherein the connecting portion is configured to be movably coupled to the support structure; and means for resisting deformation of the neck portion when the target is struck by the projectile.
 19. The target of claim 18 wherein the means for resisting deformation comprises an integral extension of at least one of the connecting portion and the neck portion, and wherein the integral extension is positioned proximate to the neck portion.
 20. The target of claim 18 wherein the means for resisting deformation comprises a deformed portion of the target that is positioned adjacent to the neck portion. 